The People's Republic of China & The Chinese Family(Approx: Five classes)
This is a unit which will focus on how the communist revolution impacted on what is traditionally the most important social unit in Confucian society: the family. For this unit you will be expected to read and watch a film outside of class. The film is called, To Live (1994). The film is long, about two hours and eleven minutes, so plan accordingly. You should watch a decade or two each evening beginning with the 1940s. The film ends just after the Cultural Revolution. (Mouse over the image below for a link to the film on Youtube).
Special Element for this UnitEach student should be keeping a journal entry. Put this into your File folder. N.B.: Just use 1 document for all of the required entries below. (Google Doc - B Family name Name PRC Journal Entries). This is an on-going process and must be done by the following class.Grading Rubric for the PRC Journal Entries
Lesson 1
Watch the video and follow along by answering the questions (note taking) while watching the video from Crash Course World History.
Go to Ancestor Worship Today and Traditional Chinese Home InteractiveIn your groups list things that a hardline communist might find redolent of a privileged class, and therefore might seek to remove. Remember Animal Farm? What did the animals do to Farmer Jones' possession and things that they did not like?
After completing the lesson above, explain what elements of the traditional Chinese family would be most likely challenged by communist ideology. Identify at least three relationships of Confucianism that would most likely be challenged.
Homework
Read p. 409 "Four Decades of Chinese Communism" to p. 414 "1976 The Tiannanmen Square Riot and the Arrest of the Gang of Four"
It's a race. Which group can find the correct dates for the time below. Hard copy given to the students that are in class. If absent, you're responsible for this document to be complete. It can be on our final.
Using the definition below, state in your notes which events in China's history - see the handout, "Identifying Recent Revolutions in China" over the the late 19th to late 20th century should be considered as 'revolutions.'
Revolutions are:
the (usually violent) overthrow or renunciation of one government leader or ruler and the substitution of another by the governed.
activity or movement designed to effect fundamental changes in the socioeconomic situation.
a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving.
Watch the BBC story about Sidney Rittenberg, an American that lived in China for 35 years. He knew Mao Zedong. Listen to what he has to say about Mao.
The above story also helps us understand how Mao was viewed by a foreigner that at least initially supported radical changes in the socio-political realm. The video below provides a view of Mao that at least gives us a good impression about him, his leadership and the CCP.
Journal Entry #2
Assess the key themes and symbols of the film. For example, the title conveys the theme that life is difficult; the challenge is to live. What events in the film uphold or reveal this theme? Describe two events that are historical in China under Mao, i.e. the ascent to political power of the CCP, the Great Leap Forward, or the Cultural Revolution, and explain how they relate to the central theme. Finally, in terms of symbols, what do the shadow puppets come to represent for the central character. Why does he embrace them? Protect them? And finally face having to surrender them?
Lesson 3
The Cultural Revolution was singularly the biggest event in the final chapter of Mao's rule. It impacted on everyone, from the lowest member of a farming collective to the highest members of the CCP.
A museum clerk dropped a box containing display information. The box held dates and events' descriptions in them. Sadly they are now all mixed up (distributed in class). You must find the other piece of your paper(s). For example, you might have a date and therefore need to find the student that has the event and its description or vise-versa.
Activity 2 - Comparing Mao to Confucius
You are to compare and contrast by summarizing each of the handouts provided in class the sayings of Mao with those of Confucius. Your partner's for this will be the your original cadre.
Journal Entry #3
Summarize how Mao's ideas would contrast with those of Confucius'. (N.B. DO NOT ANSWER THE QUESTIONS FOLLOWING THE CONFUCIUS' QUOTES) Are there any areas where they might find common ground?
Lesson 4
Propaganda and Other Elements of Dictatorial Regimes
After reviewing the time line on the wall. With your group members assign your propaganda poster to the correct place on the wall. Be prepared to defend your place.
Activity 2 - Propaganda in Chinese History
See handout given (or below) to be completed in class.
Using F.I.P.S. (Force, Indoctrination, Propaganda, and Scapism) identify at least one example for each that are revealed in the film, To Live.
Lesson 5 The Tiananmen Square Democracy Movement June, 1989
Know that 1989 was very important year in world history and certainly in East Asia's history. The Berlin Wall had fallen - really it was torn down - and before that, a very vibrant and powerful student led pro-democracy movement was starting in Beijing, China. The world stood by hopeful that the people of China would achieve for themselves that others were gaining in the region. The Philippines' 'People Power Movement' and South Korea's student led movement towards democratization are but two examples of changes. Below is a lesson in which you are expected to learn about the pro-democracy movement in China and its aftermath. As you watch the video, The Tankman, consider what China had hoped to achieve in 1989 and where they are today. Will her people achieve that what they sought in 1989, or, does her people even consider those lofty political goals essential to their future?
A Historical Note
Kim Hyun-hui, 1987 Killed over 150 South Koreans. Received a presidential pardon.
To conclude this unit you will be watching a video for homework (flipped classroom). It is called The Tankman. It is the story of one man that stood against the government of China during the 1989 Tiennamen Square Democracy Movement. Please watch the video and be prepared to discuss it in class. The TankmanIf this link doesn't work very well, view this from the Youtube link below
Student Activity: MEDIA AND THE TRUTH
Mission 1 Censor It
You will be given the task of becoming a government censor for the PRC. Your first censor is the article written by the BBC on this day. A hard copy of it will be given to you in class.
Answer the following
How does your censored version differ from the original article?
If the censored version was your only source of information, how would this version impact your understanding of the events that occurred in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989?
Mission 2 Research on Google China versus Google USA
Nine Terms
Blocked in China
The Empirical Analysis of Internet Filtering in China
Tibet
Democracy China
Freedom China
Taiwan
Dissident China
Justice China
Equality
Revolution
Counterrevolution China
With your partner divide yourself into two. One will go to
These men - mostly men anyway - all have lives that seem totally different than their lives were when in China. Which do you think has changed the most and why? Has s/he left the spirit of seeking change in China? If so, how? This will be your final entry.
This is a unit which will focus on how the communist revolution impacted on what is traditionally the most important social unit in Confucian society: the family. For this unit you will be expected to read and watch a film outside of class. The film is called, To Live (1994). The film is long, about two hours and eleven minutes, so plan accordingly. You should watch a decade or two each evening beginning with the 1940s. The film ends just after the Cultural Revolution. (Mouse over the image below for a link to the film on Youtube).
Special Element for this UnitEach student should be keeping a journal entry. Put this into your File folder. N.B.: Just use 1 document for all of the required entries below. (Google Doc - B Family name Name PRC Journal Entries). This is an on-going process and must be done by the following class.Grading Rubric for the PRC Journal EntriesLesson 1
Watch the video and follow along by answering the questions (note taking) while watching the video from Crash Course World History.
Mission 1 Communist Party Cadres
Go to Ancestor Worship Today and Traditional Chinese Home InteractiveIn your groups list things that a hardline communist might find redolent of a privileged class, and therefore might seek to remove. Remember Animal Farm? What did the animals do to Farmer Jones' possession and things that they did not like?
Next, go to 1950 Marriage Law of the People's Republic of China. Locate three laws which confirm that the Communist Party of China was seeking to change traditional Chinese marital practices.
Journal Entry #1
After completing the lesson above, explain what elements of the traditional Chinese family would be most likely challenged by communist ideology. Identify at least three relationships of Confucianism that would most likely be challenged.
Homework
Read p. 409 "Four Decades of Chinese Communism" to p. 414 "1976 The Tiannanmen Square Riot and the Arrest of the Gang of Four"
View the slide showThe roadtocommunism from Hugh_07
Lesson 2
Activity - Time Line
It's a race. Which group can find the correct dates for the time below. Hard copy given to the students that are in class. If absent, you're responsible for this document to be complete. It can be on our final.
Solo Work - Defining Revolution
Using the definition below, state in your notes which events in China's history - see the handout, "Identifying Recent Revolutions in China" over the the late 19th to late 20th century should be considered as 'revolutions.'
Revolutions are:
the (usually violent) overthrow or renunciation of one government leader or ruler and the substitution of another by the governed.
activity or movement designed to effect fundamental changes in the socioeconomic situation.
a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving.
Mission 2 - Communist China and the Great Leap
Watch the BBC story about Sidney Rittenberg, an American that lived in China for 35 years. He knew Mao Zedong. Listen to what he has to say about Mao.
The above story also helps us understand how Mao was viewed by a foreigner that at least initially supported radical changes in the socio-political realm. The video below provides a view of Mao that at least gives us a good impression about him, his leadership and the CCP.
Journal Entry #2
Assess the key themes and symbols of the film. For example, the title conveys the theme that life is difficult; the challenge is to live. What events in the film uphold or reveal this theme? Describe two events that are historical in China under Mao, i.e. the ascent to political power of the CCP, the Great Leap Forward, or the Cultural Revolution, and explain how they relate to the central theme. Finally, in terms of symbols, what do the shadow puppets come to represent for the central character. Why does he embrace them? Protect them? And finally face having to surrender them?
Lesson 3
The Cultural Revolution was singularly the biggest event in the final chapter of Mao's rule. It impacted on everyone, from the lowest member of a farming collective to the highest members of the CCP.
Mission 3 - You're Mao
Activity 1 - Time Line of the Cultural Revolution
A museum clerk dropped a box containing display information. The box held dates and events' descriptions in them. Sadly they are now all mixed up (distributed in class). You must find the other piece of your paper(s). For example, you might have a date and therefore need to find the student that has the event and its description or vise-versa.
Activity 2 - Comparing Mao to Confucius
You are to compare and contrast by summarizing each of the handouts provided in class the sayings of Mao with those of Confucius. Your partner's for this will be the your original cadre.
Journal Entry #3
Summarize how Mao's ideas would contrast with those of Confucius'. (N.B. DO NOT ANSWER THE QUESTIONS FOLLOWING THE CONFUCIUS' QUOTES) Are there any areas where they might find common ground?
Lesson 4
Propaganda and Other Elements of Dictatorial Regimes
Mission 4 - How to manage the population
Activity 1 - Propaganda Time Line
After reviewing the time line on the wall. With your group members assign your propaganda poster to the correct place on the wall. Be prepared to defend your place.
Activity 2 - Propaganda in Chinese History
See handout given (or below) to be completed in class.
Journal Entry #4
Using F.I.P.S. (Force, Indoctrination, Propaganda, and Scapism) identify at least one example for each that are revealed in the film, To Live.
Lesson 5 The Tiananmen Square Democracy Movement June, 1989
Know that 1989 was very important year in world history and certainly in East Asia's history. The Berlin Wall had fallen - really it was torn down - and before that, a very vibrant and powerful student led pro-democracy movement was starting in Beijing, China. The world stood by hopeful that the people of China would achieve for themselves that others were gaining in the region. The Philippines' 'People Power Movement' and South Korea's student led movement towards democratization are but two examples of changes. Below is a lesson in which you are expected to learn about the pro-democracy movement in China and its aftermath. As you watch the video, The Tankman, consider what China had hoped to achieve in 1989 and where they are today. Will her people achieve that what they sought in 1989, or, does her people even consider those lofty political goals essential to their future?
A Historical Note
To conclude this unit you will be watching a video for homework (flipped classroom). It is called The Tankman. It is the story of one man that stood against the government of China during the 1989 Tiennamen Square Democracy Movement. Please watch the video and be prepared to discuss it in class.
The TankmanIf this link doesn't work very well, view this from the Youtube link below
Student Activity: MEDIA AND THE TRUTH
Mission 1 Censor It- You will be given the task of becoming a government censor for the PRC. Your first censor is the article written by the BBC on this day. A hard copy of it will be given to you in class.
- Answer the following
- How does your censored version differ from the original article?
- If the censored version was your only source of information, how would this version impact your understanding of the events that occurred in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989?
Mission 2 Research on Google China versus Google USA- With your partner divide yourself into two. One will go to
- www.google.comand type in 'Tiananmen Square'
- How many links can be accessed by this one search?
- Scan through the first five sites. What seems to be the content of those links?
- What words are repeated?
- www.google.cn(PRC's website) and type in 'Tiananmen Square'. That will probably fail b/c your entry will default to Hong Kong, so instead try baidu.
- How many links can be accessed by this one search?
- Again, scan through the first five sites. What seems to be the content of these sites?
- What sites are linked to this Google-China search term?
- How does the content of these search pages differ from each other?
- Why do you think the content of Google.com's search engine differs from Google.cn's search page?
Mission 3 Find out what happened to the Leaders of the 1989 Student Movement Final Journal Entry...sorry it is the last one.